QFC 001/2020, [2020] QIC (F) 8

Jennifer O'Sullivan v Ernst & Young Middle East & North Africa

This case involved an individual who had been a partner with one entity but was transfered to another QFC entity. Her claims involved payments due as a result of her retirement from the first entity. The first entity was registered in the UK, was not party to the proceedings and there had been a deed of settlement with it which had a UK jurisdiction clause. The court lacked jurisdiction and summary judgment was refused.

Background

The Claimant worked for the Defendant, identified as Ernst & Young Middle East & North Africa. She was admitted to the EY MENA partnership with effect from 1 July 2017. In April 2019, her employment and sponsorship were transferred to EY QFC LLC. In her claim form, the Claimant stated that she had retired from EY MENA with effect from 15 September 2019.

The Claimant entered into a Deed of Settlement, which contained provisions relevant to the Claimant's retirement, with Ernst & Young Middle East & North Africa Limited, which was a company with its re-registered office in London..